It's All About 18 ♦ S1 NFG2 Comeback in Boston ♦

[kibaxx7]

Man, this is going fast Keep it up.

[nbaman1]

Guys, I won't have any updates for a while because of something family related.

[Larvae]

First time reader, Boo on the Steve Nash trade
Nash would never leave Phoenix Other than that, good association buddy

[Bucket]

Larvae, He will soon.
Fast recaps Keep it up, very good job, and if you win 18th, aim on 19th.

[nbaman1]

Hey guys, had a family member in hospital, they are starting to recover so hopefully I can update you on the first two games of the ECF against the Heat soonish

[nbaman1]

James and Wade lead Heat to game one win 96-99

By Bob Richardson
A big performance from superstars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade has helped the Miami Heat take a one game to nothing lead over the Boston Celtics. LeBron James had thirty one points, nine rebounds and six assists on the night and Wade had twenty points and six assists.

Dwyane Wade defends a Rajon Rondo drive

The first half was as even as you could get. The Celtics started off well but Miami fired back and after one quarter Boston led by just three points. Nothing would change at half time the second quarter was twenty nine all the Celtics still had a three point lead at halftime. The Celtics big three had also started out strong. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce were leading the way. The Celtics big men continued to play their excellent paint defense with Perkins, Garnett and both O'Neals blocking shots.

Rajon Rondo was quite with just 12 points and 5 assists

The Heat came out of the main break looking to blow the game open. In the third quarter LeBron James led the Heat to a thirty to twenty one quarter and the Heat now led by six at the final break. There wasn't much separating both teams, they were both evenly matched in almost every statistical area. Chris Bosh was being shut down by Kevin Garnett and also looked in pain when running up the court. He is still struggling from a strained quad but the quad is close to being 100 percent according to Erik Spoelstra.

Despite playing with a strained quad Bosh had 14 points on the night.

The Celtics current starting five is known for their determination and never say die attitude. Paul Pierce was determined to win game one and take a one game to nothing lead over the Heat. The Celtics outscored the Heat in the fourth twenty one to twenty four. The Celtics played tough defense and made sure Miami wasn't going to get easy layups. The Celtics got a stop with twenty seconds to play after Dwyane Wade missed a mid range jumper. The Celtics went to Ray Allen who put up a three on the buzzer, it rimmed out and the Miami Heat took game one 99-96. Game two will be in Boston on Saturday night.
via BasedWorld Sports

Kevin Garnett reacts after a Celtics bucket

Paul Pierce had a team high 25 points on the night

[Larvae]

Wow, monster game by LeQueer
Great way to open the series up but unfortunately you lost

[nbaman1]

Pierce's huge fourth quarter leads Celtics to 103-102 victory

The Boston Celtics came into game two with mixed expectations after the Heat won game one on their home court. Many fans were nervous, many were worried about what would happen if they lose game two and there were the optimistic fans expecting the Celtics to bounce right back.

The Celtics did just that, they came out looking for revenge after losing game one. Ray Allen started off on fire with fifteen first quarter points. He went 3/3 from deep in the first. Unfortunately Ray would only score another two points on the night. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade started out well driving to the basket and earning foul calls. Chris Bosh still recovering from a strained quad continued to struggle Kevin Garnett was completing blanketing the Heat forward. The Celtics took had a twelve point lead after one quarter.

Garnett's turn around jumper was deadly on the night, Garnett had 19 points

In the second quarter the Miami Heat would fire right back thanks to the Miami bench. Mario Chalmers came on and connected on a triple as did Linas Kleiza who connected on two but he strained his lower back after landing awkwardly after the second three. Early reports are saying that he will miss up to a month of action. Dwyane Wade also brought his A game in the second quarter he had 11 first half points. At halftime the Miami Heat led by four points. A key stat at the half was the fact that Boston already had eleven turnovers and Miami had just six. Coach Doc Rivers wasn't happy with the teams control of the ball. "I just told them it's up to you look after the ball and we'll be able to limit their firepower on offense, turn it over lots and they'll be running all over the court scoring easy baskets." The Celtics had seven turnovers in the second half but they weren't as costly thanks to their great transition defense. Celtics captain Paul Pierce was struggling he was 3/10 from the field

Dwyane Wade makes Boston pay for a turnover

In the third quarter LeBron James would lead the way for Miami going right at Paul Pierce. LeBron had twelve points in the third. Pierce continued to struggle but he started to attack and get to the free throw line. The quarter was one of the best quarter of the playoffs with Kevin Garnett and LeBron James carrying the scoring load. Kevin had thirteen points in the third. Paul Pierce started to score more hitting a three and a couple of layups. The third quarter was a tie 25 all. The Celtics still trailed by four points going into the final quarter. Celtics fans were starting to get worried because LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were starting to put on a show.

LeBron James with the strong slam
The Celtics had no trouble scoring for the first half of the fourth quarter but they were having lots of trouble stopping LeBron James from getting to the basket for easy slams. No matter what the Celtics did they couldn't close the gap and the game was starting to slip from their grasps. With Rajon Rondo resting on the bench Delonte West started to score and was creating problems for the Heat defense. Then Paul Pierce finally showed up and once he showed up there was no stopping the Celtics captain. The problem was there was no stopping LeBron James either. The Celtics thanks to a couple of bad turnovers within sixth seconds now found themselves down by twelve after a LeBron James fast break slam dunk. Paul Pierce then took it upon himself to carry the scoring load and shut down LeBron James. The Heat didn't score for two minutes after LeBron James' fastbreak slam. The Celtics scored eleven points in those two minutes all by Mr.Pierce. The Celtics now trailed by just one point with two minutes to go. The Heat took a timeout to try and stop the run. Out of the inbounds LeBron James got to the basket for a huge clutch layup. This time it was Ray Allen's turn to score Kevin Garnett was doubled in the post he kicked it to Ray who drilled a mid range jumper with one minute forty seven to play.The Celtics now trailed by a point.

Pierce with a huge momentum changing and one basket, James tried to draw the charge
Rajon Rondo could be seen trash talking to Mario Chalmers all the way up the court. He went for a steal missed LeBron James put up a jumper after that it missed, the Celtics pushed the break and Pierce put up a three it missed but he made up for his efforts a possession later blocking a LeBron James jumper. This time the Celtics made the Heat pay. Paul Pierce was double teamed leaving Rajon Rondo wide open for an easy lay in. The Celtics lead by one with one minute elven to play. Kendrick Perkins stole the inbounds pass after a Miami timeout. Paul Pierce put up a jumper to give the Celtics a three point lead but he missed and the Heat got the ball back. They missed again and Pierce now dribbled up the court. Coach Doc Rivers called for time.

Out of the timeout the Celtics went to Pierce he drove to the basket, kicked it out to Ray Allen for three, the crowd was going wild they screamed "THREEEEE!" the shot rimmed out LeBron James grabbed the rebound and the Heat called a timeout.

The Ball went into Chalmers he dribbled the ball and dished it to LeBron at the top of the three point line with seven seconds to play. These seconds may just determine the Celtics season the crowd was on the edge of the seat and so was the Celtics bench. LeBron started to drive , five seconds left, LeBron with the hesitation move, 4 seconds, LeBron puts up the runner with 3 seconds left............it rims out, LeBron tips the rebounds put Ray Allen comes across and skys for the board. The buzzer goes and Celtics PA announcer Eddie Palladino screams out "Anddddddd THAT'S YOUR BALLGAME!" The crowd went wild and the Celtics have now tied the series at one all.

LeBron James puts up a runner for the win
The Celtics will now head to Miami to play game three.

via BasedWorld Sports

[Gamebreaker]

Nice win. I'm rootin for you. Seems so difficult for the Celts to hang with the Heat's young athleticism. Pierce has probably got to have at least a couple more games like this to pull it out.

Heh, neat to see LeBron miss in the clutch, just like in real life!

[Larvae]

James sucks, that's why he missed that shot right there

[kibaxx7]

Nice battle between Pierce and LeBron

[LegoLand]

Pierce owned LeBron

[nbaman1]

Next update should come soon guys, just figuring out a way to make a slideshow with a pressbook
Here's a video that showed up on 2k btw
http://community.2ksports.com/community ... id=6558583

[nbaman1]

James scores 34 points, Heat survive thriller in Miami 101-99

By Bob Richardson

LeBron James continued his stellar play against the Boston Celtics with a thirty four point performance. James was unstoppable hitting lots of shots and finding the open man when defense came to help. He played great defense keeping Paul Pierce to a 6-18 performance, LeBron also had four blocks.

The Celtics opened up the game on an 11-3 run, Paul Pierce had two early baskets and Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen hit some shots. The Celtics looked like they were going to blow the game apart in the first quarter. The Heat called for time twice within three minutes and eventually got back on track. Miami's big three started to get going LeBron hit a jumper and finished a break with a thunderous jam. Wade also got going by attacking and getting to the free throw line.

Boston could not stop fouling they had seven fouls in the first quarter, Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen both had to sit early with two fouls. The Heat kept drawing fouls which led to eleven free throws in the first quarter. At the end of the first the Celtics led twenty three to twenty one. LeBron James was leading the scoring for the Heat with eleven. Kevin Garnett led the way for the Celtics with six early points.

The second quarter was another even battle with both teams shooting over 40 percent from the field. Zydrunas Ilgauskas hit two early baskets to put the Heat up but the Boston bench responded with two baskets as well. Ray Allen came on early in the second and picked up where he left off with a three, two jumpers and another three. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James continued to make plays off the pick and rolls constantly driving to the basket, but Celtics big man Kendrick Perkins made the Heat think twice about driving after viciously rejecting James twice in the quarter. At halftime the Celtics led by just one point.

Boston was shooting 48 percent at halftime to Miami's 41 percent. Boston also had fourteen bench points to Miami's two. The Heat had attempted seventeen free throws at halftime compared to Boston's six. Boston was shooting lots of jump shots and they were falling but Coach Doc Rivers told his players to start getting aggressive and drive to the basket when you can.

The third quarter was a very ugly and sloppy quarter. There were fourteen turnovers (Boston six, Miami 8) and both teams were missing shots on multiple possessions. Celtics bigmen Jermaine O'Neal, Kendrick Perkins and Shaquille O'Neal stamped their authority on the game with baskets in the third quarter. Paul Pierce continued to struggle and Ray Allen scored just once in the third with a three. For the Heat James had seven points in the quarter and Wade had four. Miami took a two point lead into the final quarter.

The final quarter would be a hard fought one with both teams going back and forth. The Celtics were struggling to keep up with Miami due to Paul Pierce not being able to hit shots. Instead the Celtics shared the ball and stayed in the game. Chris Bosh started to get involved for Miami, he got to the free throw line and hit all of them. LeBron James delivered for Miami with eleven points in the fourth quarter.

With under a minute to play Rajon Rondo pushed the ball up the court stepped around Mario Chalmers and scored a layup to make it a four point ballgame. Rondo would score again fifteen seconds later and the Celtics trailed by just one basket with forty two seconds to go. LeBron James scored a big bucket, driving to the basket avoiding the Celtics defenders and scoring with thirty two seconds left. The Celtics called for time down by four points. Out of the timeout Rondo felt Mario Chalmers defending him closely Rondo put up a jumper, it just missed and he would shoot two big free throws. He converted at the line and Boston trailed by two points. The Heat went to Mario Chalmers who put up a layup the Celtics played great help defense, the shot missed, Paul Pierce rebounded the ball and called for a timeout the Celtics last timeout.

The Celtics once again ran a pick and roll in a clutch situation this time Ray Allen had the ball and Paul Pierce set the pick, the Heat were playing smothering defense, Ray Allen put up a tough three pointer on the buzzer it missed to the right and Miami took the ballgame 101-99. "The play was broken, Paul was supposed to start with the ball in his hands, then Ray would run around a screen, go baseline and pop out in the corner for a three, instead they denied Paul the ball and you saw the result. I was pleased with the teams efforts for the most part but we have to keep our lead I mean we had a nine point lead about three times and we let Miami come back each time, we can't allow that," Coach Doc Rivers after the game.

via BasedWorld Sports

Picture Slideshow

phpBB [video]

Guys how do I get the youtube video to show here?

[|Migs]

Post as fast as you can. Goodluck bro.. I love those pics btw..

[nbaman1]

Not sure what to do now that 2k site is down in terms of photos. Update will come soon hopefully in the next few days it will be without 2k pictures I think.

[nbaman1]

Celtics make big plays win 107-103 in OT

By Bob Richardson

Once again there was very little separating the Celtics and Heat. LeBron James put in 46 points and Chris Bosh had 14 points and 19 rebounds. For the Celtics they continued to battle Pierce had 24, Ray had 21 and Kevin Garnett had 17 points despite being in foul trouble for most of the night.

The first quarter was very even with both teams trading buckets and lots of misses both teams shot below 45%. Paul Pierce got off to a quick start for Boston as did LeBron for Miami. The Heat would cause the Celtics all sorts of trouble with their aggressive play. The Celtics committed six fouls in the quarter to Miami's one. Kevin Garnett would leave the game at the eight minute mark after picking up two early fouls. Glen Davis came on though and filled the void attacked and finishing in all sorts of ways against the Miami bigs. Davis would be a key factor on the night stepping up whenever the Celtics needed him. After one tough quarter the Heat led 25 to 22.

The Celtics played tough annoying defense in the second quarter holding Miami's field goal percentage to just 35% for the quarter. The Celtics limited their fouls and even got to the free throw line themselves six times. The Heat continued to beat the Celtics in the paint with great aggressive play from Wade and James. The second quarter was dead even 23 apiece. The Heat led 45-48 at halftime with both teams shooting poorly from the field. Miami was 0/7 from three point field goals.

The third quarter was another defensive battle with both teams giving up nothing easy. It wasn't a great spectacle for a casual fan but if your a hardcore basketball fan you would have loved this third quarter. The Celtics started off the quarter by attacking the basket. Rajon Rondo got to the line four times in the first two minutes of the quarter. The Celtics played team basketball whilst the Heat played through LeBron James running him off pick and rolls. The Celtics had no answer to James and he continued to pile on the points. James had 15 points in the quarter and was a key part in a number of Heat baskets. The Celtics continued to lose the battle in the paint. Chris Bosh went up for a layup and was fouled hard by Jermaine O'Neal. Bosh grimaced in pain after appearing to hurt his back. He told reporters after the game that it was a bit sore but he would be fine to continue. Bosh had just recovered from a strained quad in the Chicago series. Only one turnover was committed during the quarter a rare stat for teams who love to get in the passing lanes for steals and deflections. The Miami Heat won the quarter 22 to 23. They led by just four points going into the final quarter a quarter that could decide the fate of the Celtics season.

Delonte West started off the fourth quarter with a bang, hitting two free throws and throwing down a dunk off a pick and roll. Mike Miller attacked the basket only to be met by Glen Davis who wrapped him up. Miller spent several minutes on the ground holding his right wrist. Miller was subbed off the court and Heat staff announced after the game he has broken his wrist in two places and won't take any further part in the Finals. The Heat are now expected to start young point guard Mario Chalmers at the point and Wade at the shooting guard position. Wade took both of Miller's free throws and missed both to the surprise of the Miami fans. Glen Davis and the rest of the Celtics bench would play a huge part in the big fourth quarter from the Celtics. Von Wafer played four big minutes for the Celtics his first minutes of the series and didn't disappoint. First nailing a deep three with a man in his face, then viciously crossing Dwyane Wade and finishing with a pretty finger roll and finally by nailing another three. "It was great, he gave Ray rest and was playing his part for the team," The last five minutes would be very exciting with both teams going back and forth hitting shot after shot. Ray Allen hit two deep jumpers followed by a Dwyane Wade layup. Neither team would score for another two minutes with Ray Allen going cold and the Celtics forcing a couple of Miami turnovers. Kevin Garnett would end the misses with a mid range jumper. The final two minutes were great with the Celtics continuing to hold a two point lead hitting their shots and the Heat refusing to quit by hitting all of their shots.

With just 35 seconds to go Paul Pierce had the ball he dribbled the ball until their was 9 seconds left on the shotclock he drove to the basket, hop stepped, put up a layup and it rimmed out. The Heat had a chance to tie the game or take the lead with a three pointer. Rajon Rondo got caught playing too close on Mario Chalmers and got called for a foul. The Celtics were in the penalty and Chalmers headed to the line. Chalmers known for hitting a big three back in his college days sunk both free throws and tied the game. Paul Pierce once again tried to deliver a crushing blow to the Heat but missed a step back jumper much similar to his dagger against the Heat in the 2010 playoffs. The teams were headed to overtime.

The first minute of overtime was intense with neither team scoring. Glen Davis broke the seal with 3 minutes and 54 seconds to play grabbing an offensive board, drawing a foul and hitting the shot. Unfortunately he couldn't hit the free throw to extend the lead to three. The Heat missed their next few shots whilst the Celtics hit theirs. Paul Pierce hit a tough fall away jumper and then blocked a LeBron James dunk, hustled for the ball and finished with a fast break slam a big exclamation point.Glen Davis then hit another big mid range jumper. Dwyane Wade would get to the basket the next possession and bring the Celtics lead back to thre possessions. LeBron James scored the next two baskets to bring the Heat within two.

The Celtics ran a post play for Kevin Garnett who turned and drove straight to the basket getting fouled by Udonis Haslem. He connected on both and extended the lead back to four points. The Heat missed their next shot as did the Celtics and the Heat were looking like they were done. LeBron James wouldn't quit though hitting a mid range jumper over an outstretched Paul Pierce. The Heat were still in the game but Ray Allen delivered the dagger in the heart of the Miami heat with a big dunk off a pick and roll hanging on the ring for extra effect. The Heat would miss a three and the Celtics pulled out a gutsy win 107-103 to tie the series at two apiece. Both teams will now travel back to Boston to play game five on Friday night. In the other series Kobe Bryant is playing great basketball and the Lakers lead the Mavericks 3-1 in the Western Conference Finals.
via BasedWorld Sports

Boxscore coming soon

[nbaman1]

Celtics tough defense helps them to 91-98 victory

By Bob Richardson

The Celtics played a complete team game against the Miami Heat. They started out slow in the first quarter but after the slow start there was no looking back as they played great on both ends of the floor. "I was real proud of our guys, they all did their jobs." Coach Doc Rivers after the game. The Celtics now hold a 3-2 lead over the Miami Heat.

The Celtics and Heat both started off the first quarter slowing with both teams struggling to hit shots early. The only reason for the Heat's high scoring quarter was the Celtics committing too many fouls. Ray Allen was off after just two minutes with two early fouls. It looked like it could be a big blow for Boston who were struggling to score the basketball. Dwayne Wade started off hot with eleven first quarter points. Paul Pierce also started off strong and kept Boston in the game early. After one quarter of play both teams shot 39% from the field but Miami had an early six point lead 26-20.

The second quarter was a much different tale. The Celtics bench came to play. They were hitting shots and playing good defense. The Celtics shot 62% in the second quarter. Miami shot just 42%. Ray Allen checked back into the game early in the quarter but struggled to put the ball in the basket. It wasn't looking good until Jeff Green decided to take over scoring twelve points in the quarter. He was on fire and there was nothing the Miami Heat could do to stop him. Delonte West and Glen Davis all chipped in each hitting a couple of baskets. The Miami Heat struggled to control the basketball in the second quarter they had five turnovers to Boston's two. Dwayne Wade continued to score but LeBron James struggled he had just nine points at halftime. It was the first time James had struggled to score in this series. The Celtics went into the main break with a seven point lead 49-56. The Celtics were shooting 52% from the field. Miami shot 40% percent from the field and had eight turnovers in the half. The Celtics bench also was a key they had 27 points.

Miami was determined not to give up but Boston wouldn't let their lead slip. It would lead to a tough third quarter with plenty of tough defense and a back and forth shooting contest. Neither team committed many fouls but once again the key to the quarter would be Boston's bench. They had eight points in the quarter compared to Miami's zero. Depth hasn't been strong for Miami all season and it has been showing lately when James and Wade are sitting on the bench resting. The game was starting to slip away from the Heat. The Celtics led by nine points with one quarter to play.

The team efforts of the Celtics in the fourth quarter were very evident. They were making the right passes, setting good screens and rotating well on defense. The Heat started off the quarter well and for the first six minutes of the quarter it looked like Miami might steam roll right past the Celtics who were looking tired. The Celtics called a timeout and it helped. Both teams couldn't get anything to fall after that. Both shot below 35% from the field in the quarter. It was an eye sore but this series was never going to be pretty. The Heat got within two points but that's as close as they would get. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett continued to score for the Celtics and Rajon Rondo secured the deal hitting two free throws with under a minute to play. The key stat on the night was bench points the Celtics won the stat 42-11. The Celtics will now travel to Miami to try and end the series there. If they don't a game seven will be played back in Boston.

[nbaman1]

Who's still interested? I hope my write ups are okay because it's the only way I can keep you guys interested now till 2k12 it looks like. Because I can't get pictures . So who wants me to continue posting?

[nbaman1]

James and Heat blow out Celtics 107-89


By Bob Richardson
The Celtics went into tonight's game with a chance to wrap up the series and head to the NBA finals. But before the game news came from the Celtics staff that Paul Pierce was suffering from migraines and wouldn't be one hundred percent. It would be a big blow for the Celtics. Pierce had been battling hard against LeBron James all series and was doing all he could to get the Celtics back in the finals.

The game started out with each teams center's both scoring a bucket. Paul Pierce then hit a jumper and it looked like he may be able to battle through the migraines. Unfortunately it wouldn't be the case. The first quarter was a tough battle with Miami looking to pull away early. Boston wouldn't let them pull away. After one quarter the Heat led 28 to 25. Kendrick Perkins was the leading scorer for Boston with six. Miami's leading scorer was Dwyane Wade who had nine points.

The game started to get away from the Celtics in the second quarter. They struggled all quarter to score baskets. Boston stayed with Miami for most of the quarter thanks to some sharp shooting from veteran Ray Allen. Chris Bosh was scoring well for Miami he had ten points in the fourth quarter and was drawing plenty of fouls. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James were both missing in the quarter. The Celtics made some costly mistakes in the last minute of the quarter which caused the lead to increase to ten points at half time Miami 51 Boston 41. During the series Boston's bench had dominated Miami's this was not the case at halftime. Miami had 11 bench points to Boston's 6. Miami were also dominating the boards 24-14.

Miami started out the third quarter strong. They were making shots and preventing Boston from putting the ball in the bucket. The Celtics also played good defense but couldn't score. The lead stayed at around fourteen points for most of the quarter. There was another big blow for Miami in the third quarter. Star Dwyane Wade went up for a layup, Celtics captain Paul Pierce came across to help. He fouled Dwyane Wade who landed awkwardly. X-Ray's after the game confirmed that the star broke his wrist and will miss up to six weeks. It's a bittersweet note for Miami after they're bench stood up, played great and forced a game seven. It will be very tough for Miami to win at the TD Garden without their star Dwyane Wade. As a result of Wade's injury James Jones would get to play his first minutes of the post season. The Celtics once again made bad mistakes at the end of the quarter. A couple of turnovers proved costly and the Celtics trailed by 18 points going into the fourth quarter.

Jeff Green was a bright spark for Boston on the night. He has proven throughout this series that he can be a very good contributor off the bench. He started out the fourth quarter well scoring the first six points of the quarter for the Celtics. James Jones came on for Miami and immediately contributed with a long two pointer and then connecting on one free throw after being fouled. It wouldn't get any better for Boston as Miami's bench continued to hit shots and extend the lead to 18 points. The Celtics looked tired and they started to play bad basketball. They were throwing sloppy passes, not getting back on defense and putting up bad shots. "They just ran right over the top of us, then we started to play poorly." Coach Doc Rivers in a post game press conference. The Celtics did everything they could to try and get back in the game but in the end 18 points was too big of a margin to make up. The Celtics and Heat will now head back to the TD Garden to determine which team will head to the NBA Finals. The Heat will be without Dwyane Wade. There are also doubts on Paul Pierce and Chris Bosh's health. Neither team are sure how fit both of them will be. One thing is certain LeBron James is going to have to have a huge game for Miami to beat the Celtics on their home court even if Pierce is still suffering from migraines.

Lakers heading back to NBA finals after beating Dallas 90-82

Kobe Bryant's 37 points helped the Lakers to make their fourth consecutive appearance in the NBA finals. They will now have to wait to see who wins the game seven battle between Miami and Boston. Andrew Bynum had 10 points and 11 rebounds. For Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki gave his all for the whole series. He had 29 points on the night and 9 rebounds. Jason Terry had 25 points. The Lakers won the series 4 games to 2.

[nbaman1]

I wish you win bro.

Yeah thanks the Heat bench went into beast mode at the end of the game and I kinda just gave up.

[nbaman1]

Should get game seven played on Friday hopefully

[nbaman1]

Celtics never say die move on to NBA Finals

By Bob Richardson
Celtics fans were on the edge of their seats all night they didn’t know what to expect next. What happened next was one of the best comebacks you’ll see in a game seven. The Celtics know all about comebacks in game sevens. After all the Lakers made a mighty comeback against them last year in the finals. Now they will have a chance to get revenge after beating the Miami Heat in an all time classic game 109-107.

Paul Pierce was still suffering from migraines so it was going to be very tough for the Celtics. It was going to be just as tough for the Heat playing without superstar guard Dwyane Wade. The Heat got off to a strong start as Boston still looked like they were stuck in game six where they played terribly. Things got back on track though when Paul Pierce and Ray Allen both connected on and one layups. Kevin Garnett got off to a strong start. He had eight early points. Paul Pierce struggled to hit shots and the Celtics and Heat were in a track meet. Neither team looked like getting a stop. Both teams shot sixty percent in the first quarter. LeBron James continued to tear the Boston defense apart. James had ten points in the first quarter.

The second quarter was a much slower affair and both teams defenses started to do their job. Boston’s bench once again played a big part in getting Boston back in the swing of things. Glen Davis was great early. “He’s been a great back up, the entire year. He’s really helping our team and giving Kevin the rest he needs.” Celtics Coach Doc Rivers after the game. Boston played good defense in the quarter but turnovers were a reason as to why Miami still outscored them in the quarter. At halftime the Heat led 60-53 and both teams were shooting over fifty percent from the field. The Celtics excellent shot blocking in the playoffs continued. They had six blocks at halftime. Kevin Garnett was the leading scorer for Boston with fourteen points. LeBron James led the scoring department for Miami with twenty points.

Boston started the third quarter well. They scored six early points and Miami were struggling to score. That changed quickly. After LeBron James went to the basket and drew a foul. He connected on both free throws. Both teams went on a scoring drought and the game was becoming very sloppy. Chris Bosh broke the drought with a thunderous slam. Both teams were looking exhausted after a great series. Both teams were pounding the paint and drawing fouls. Rajon Rondo made some costly errors in the third quarter turning the ball over four times. Miami kept control of the ball and had just one turnover in the quarter.

With twelve minutes to play Celtics fans were on the edge of their seats. Many were too nervous to say anything many were also cheering on their team hoping they’d win. Miami led by ten points and LeBron James continued to get into the paint. The signs weren’t looking good for Boston. But everyone knows the big three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen have never stopped trying in their four seasons together. They weren’t going to give up now. Not when they were so close to another finals appearance. “Doc told us to keep moving the ball and taking it to the paint.” Celtics Forward Kevin Garnett. They did just that but there was also another problem standing in the way of Boston. A six foot eight small forward by the name of LeBron James. He continued to try to will Miami to a victory.

Most of the fourth quarter was the LeBron James show and Boston’s great defense had no answers. With five minutes to go Boston was down seven and Boston fans were thinking perhaps their team had nothing left in the tank. Kendrick Perkins and Rajon Rondo entered the game and immediately made a difference. Perkins grabbed a Ray Allen missed shot and put it back in whilst drawing a foul. The Celtics fans were fired up again and so was Perkins who fisted pumped in excitement. The Heat brought the ball up the court and ran a set for LeBron James. As Mario Chalmers passed to James out of nowhere Rajon Rondo swiped the ball loose, picked it up and layed it in. One basket was now the difference in the game. The Heat went right back to LeBron and he came up big with a huge fall away jumper which silenced the Boston crowd again.

Boston turned the ball over on their next possession and Miami made them pay. Eddie House scored an easy layup to extend the lead back out to six points. The Celtics went back into the paint and Kendrick Perkins drew the foul. Perkins was having one of his best games of the season in a very big game. Perkins had always struggled from the line though. He went one from two at the line and Miami still held a five point lead. Mario Chalmers came up with a big play after LeBron James missed a three. Boston’s attention was on the Miami big men and no one boxed out the little guard. He flew right in and tipped home the shot.

If Boston wasn’t done before they surely looked done now. They had no answers for Miami even when they stopped LeBron James. Kevin Garnett though wasn’t done. Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett ran a beautiful pick and roll that was like watching a Stockton to Malone pick and roll. Kevin grabbed the ball and slammed it home. Boston wasn’t done yet there was now just five points in it. The Celtics couldn’t stop LeBron James though, Garnett fouled him and sent him to the line. Garnett was now on five fouls. James hit both free throws and extended the lead back out to seven points.

The Celtics went back to Kevin Garnett on the next possession and he delivered. Drawing a LeBron James foul and connecting on both free throws. Miami’s superstar was now on five fouls just like Boston’s. The Celtics trailed by five. They continued to play good defense and they got a crucial stop. Rondo and Garnett ran another pick and roll but when Miami help came Ray Allen was open in the corner. When you leave Ray Allen wide open in the corner you know what the result is going to be. Three points. Miami called for time with one minute thirteen to play. Their timeout wouldn’t help them as Boston shut down their offense again. Boston was trailing by just two points. The Celtics again ran their offense though Kevin Garnett. He was fouled and connected on both free throws again.

Miami had the ball and had a chance to take the lead back. The Celtics got caught ball watching and Chris Bosh cut backdoor for an easy pass. He dunked the ball in to give Miami a two point lead with thirty four seconds to play. The Celtics tried to post up Kevin Garnett again but Miami doubled straight away. Garnett then passed back to Pierce but LeBron James was all over him. Pierce passed to Perkins who was too far away from the basket to score. Eddie House moved closer to the key for just a second and Perkins kicked out to Ray Allen in the same corner again. Eddie House may have got a hand in Allen’s face but it didn’t matter Ray had just hit another clutch shot. Miami called for time. After the timeout they went to Chris Bosh who posted up Kevin Garnett, he then drove on Garnett but he forgot something. Kevin Garnett is an all time great defender. Garnett swatted the ball to the ground and the Celtics grabbed possession. They almost turned the ball over though trying to get it to Ray Allen. Kendrick Perkins picked the ball up and was fouled. It was a bad result for Boston. Perkins missed the first free throw and Boston fans were very nervous about the next one. Perkins smoothly hit the second free throw though.
The Heat had one last shot. Mario Chalmers brought the ball up the court and passed to LeBron James who put up a three for the win. No good and Boston had won 109-107 and are now heading back to the NBA Finals for the third time in four years.

[nbaman1]

Alright guys, game one should come some time today. I'm going to be in a mad rush to get the Finals done before I get 2k12 on Friday. My write ups might not be as detailed. I would've got this finished months ago but a family matter prevented that. Also a glitch has happened, I've got home court for the finals even though the Lakers had the best record in the NBA very strange. I will be ending this assocation after the Finals so I can move on to 2k12. I wish I had more time to continue this association but unfortunately I didn't. Thanks for reading. I hope I win the Finals.

[nbaman1]

Celtics blow out Lakers in game one

By Bob Richardson
The Boston Celtics came into the 2011 NBA Finals as the slight underdogs. Many people weren’t sure if they had the legs to take down the Lakers and some thought they looked ordinary against a weak Miami Heat line up. The Celtics came out and from the opening minute they were unstoppable. Their starting five played defense not seen since their championship year in 2008. Scoring wasn’t a problem either with every player getting on the scoreboard. They held a big lead for most of the night and the Lakers never looked like threatening to get back in the game. This was almost like watching the Memorial Day Massacre in the 1985 Finals. “We all know what happened to that team after their big game one performance, we don’t want that happening to us.” Celtics Coach Doc Rivers after the game. Rivers was referring to the fact that after the Celtics blew out the Lakers at home in the 1985 finals in game one they lost the series in six games.

The first four minutes of the first quarter were very sloppy both teams couldn’t score and there were some ugly possessions which ended up in a turnover. The Celtics got going eventually and took over the game early on. The Lakers still continued to struggle, forward Pau Gasol was being shut down by Kevin Garnett. Kobe Bryant was the main man for the Lakers in the first. Shaquille O’Neal who has struggled throughout the playoffs entered the game and made an immediate impact. Blocking a Kobe Bryant dunk which led to Rajon Rondo picking up the ball, lobbing it to Kevin Garnett from half court who finished with a thunderous slam. The TD Garden went crazy and it really helped the Celtics to get on a roll. Shaq continued to be a great weapon off the bench. He had six points, two steals and two blocks in the first quarter. Kevin Garnett also got off to a good start he had six points in the first quarter and four rebounds. Kobe Bryant was the leading scorer for the Lakers in the first with seven points. The Celtics were shooting fifty five percent to the Lakers thirty eight percent. Boston led twenty six to eighteen.

The second quarter was more of the same but Boston blew the lead out to seventeen points at one stage in the quarter. The Celtics bench continued their stellar post season play and the Lakers bench had no answers for them. Shot blocking has been one of the Celtics strongest areas all year. The second quarter was no exception they had five blocks in the quarter. When the lead got to seventeen Kobe Bryant and the Lakers struggled but continued to battle their way back into the game. At halftime they trailed fifty two to thirty nine. Ray Allen led the scoring department for Boston with nine points, he also had three assists, one steal and two blocks. Kobe Bryant was leading the way for Los Angeles with eleven points.

Kobe Bryant looked like he was going to bring the Lakers back into the game at the start of the third quarter. He hit his first three shots and the Lakers now trailed by just nine points. Offense wasn’t much of a problem for the Lakers in the second half defense was the issue. The Celtics continued to get whatever look they wanted and it wasn’t going to help the Lakers get back into the contest. Paul Pierce had a strong third quarter. He had eleven of his twenty points in the third quarter and it seemed like he was there to make a shot every time the Celtics needed him to make a shot in the quarter. After three quarters the Celtics had blown the game out and led eighty to fifty five.

The Celtics left their bench on the court for most of the fourth quarter and they kept on scoring. They didn’t play great defense but they gave the starters rest and kept the Celtics in a commanding position. Delonte West, Shaquille O’Neal and Glen Davis were all great sparks off the bench. Andrew Bynum started to get into the game. He had fourteen points and ten rebounds on the night. It didn’t matter those as the fourth quarter was full of easy buckets. Boston takes a one game to nothing lead after winning game one 101-83.